The retirement of figures such as Jim Leyland, left, opens big doors for a new generation of managers like Boston's John Farrell.

Written by

Bob Nightengale
| USA Today Sports

They come from different backgrounds, got their jobs under strange circumstances, and inherited drastically different teams.

John Farrell of the Boston Red Sox is a former pitcher who spent eight years in the big leagues, all in the American League. Mike Matheny of the St. Louis Cardinals is a former All-Star catcher who spent all 12 years in the National League.

Farrell replaced a manager, Bobby Valentine, who was detested by his players, and booted out of town after one year and a 93-loss season. Matheny replaced a future Hall of Fame manager, Tony La Russa, who abruptly retired and left ...